Maricopa Police Unravel Walmart Trading Card Heist

An Ajo man was arrested on Saturday evening in the parking lot of Maricopa’s Walmart, accused of stealing over $100 worth of trading cards while under the influence of fentanyl.

The incident unfolded around 8 p.m. when store staff alerted police that a man had entered the store, concealed $103.22 worth of trading cards in his pockets, and exited without making any payment. Details about the types of cards—whether sports or Pokémon—remain undisclosed.

Officers quickly located a suspect matching the description walking south in the parking lot. Tristan Garcia, 40, of Ajo, was identified. According to reports, he had outstanding extraditable warrants related to a probation violation. Garcia has a criminal history, including a 2019 conviction for burglary in Pima County, and municipal court records indicate 29 prior arrests from Ajo and one from Clifton.

Garcia now faces multiple charges: possession of dangerous drugs and paraphernalia, shoplifting, and littering. If found guilty, he could face up to three years in prison.

Following his arrest, police discovered aluminum foil, a burnt straw, and a partially burned blue M-30 fentanyl pill in his possession.

He was subsequently taken to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention Center. His mother, Chalia, was present at the scene but did not face any charges.

Unfortunately, the stolen trading cards were not recovered.